Pages

December 7, 2007

Target Lady

Tonight I was in Target amid long lines and few cashiers. The girl at the register I was waiting for could not have been more slow. Scanning each item with care and wonderment, and not the slightest sense of urgency to move the ever-growing line. I could not help but think of the Target Lady on Saturday Night Live. When it was my turn, she smiled and delighted in the sweater I was buying, the recycled wrapping paper I'd picked out, and then she scanned my flavored coffee syrup, stopped, looked at me, and said, "Do you ever watch Saturday Night Live?" I had to laugh. She said, "I'm so turning into that Target Lady. Where did you get that coffee syrup?"

I told her I totally knew what she was talking about, and the coffee syrup was in the, uh, coffee aisle.

Oh my, Beck! Never been to a Target! Wow! Steph, that is soooo funny. Have you been in the Family Christian Store lately. Very similar, except the older gentleman running the register says he's a Pastor. It was pretty funny as a line of about 10 ladies stood there for 25 minutes in line chatting. He yells out to the back of the line, "See, this waiting in line is good! You all are making new friends." Ha! I don't watch SNL, but that was hilarious!

I kind of agree with Lisa who was checking out with the Pastor at the Family Christian Store. The Pastor had the right idea. We do live our lives too fast - that's our culture and we let it define us. The Target Lady did not communicate her stress to anyone as she might of if she tried to check you out faster. All stress if any was yours. Take life more slowly - decide what is really important.

At least the cashier was willing to speak with you. Now days the people checking me out of the store typically are chatting with the other cashier next to them. So much for eye contact or friendly welcomes!

I agree with the person who said that at least they made eye contact. In Atlanta you're lucky if the Tarjay cashier puts her cell phone down long enough to check you out. Eye contact is a bonus. If the cashier takes the time to actually TELL you the total and amount of your change, you about drop dead from shock!